Winners at Champions of Cheese awards in New Zealand 2015

Winners at Champions of Cheese awards in New Zealand 2015

Dutch-style cheeses have dominated at this year’s New Zealand Champions of Cheese Awards, scooping the top three titles.

Master Judge Russell Smith said that Dutch-style cheese made in New Zealand is “as good as it gets anywhere in the world.”

The Countdown Champion of Champions Cheese Award was won by a Dutch-style cheese made in the Bay of Islands – Very Old Edam by Mahoe Farmhouse Cheese.

This year 470 specialty cheeses, yoghurts and butters competed.

Thirty one of New Zealand’s most experienced dairy connoisseurs, including top international critics, made up the judging panel. They were led by Smith, one Australasia’s most experienced international cheese judges.